Probe card cassette and probe card

ABSTRACT

A holding section ( 2 ) holds a probe card ( 1 ). Transport mechanisms ( 3   a  to  3   d ) have the function of transporting the probe card ( 1 ) from the holding section ( 2 ). A lock mechanism ( 4 ) is provided for the transport mechanism ( 3   d ). When the probe card cassette is placed in prober equipment, the lock mechanism ( 4 ) is released to allow the probe card ( 1 ) to be transported from the holding section ( 2 ) by the transport mechanisms ( 3   a  to  3   d ). When the probe card cassette is not placed in the prober equipment, the lock mechanism ( 4 ) operates to fix the probe card ( 1 ) in the holding section ( 2 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to probe cards for use in probe tests onsemiconductor integrated circuits.

BACKGROUND ART

Tests on semiconductor integrated circuits are broadly divided intotests (hereinafter referred to as “probe tests”) which are performed onsemiconductor integrated circuits in wafer form after completion ofdiffusion process and tests which are conducted on semiconductorintegrated circuits as packaged products after completion of assemblyprocess.

A probe test is performed by placing a probe card in prober equipmentand bringing the probe needles of the probe card into contact withelectrode pads on IC chips which are connected with an LSI tester andarranged regularly on a wafer.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the structure of a typical probe card. InFIG. 10, the reference numeral 101 refers to a probe card substrate, andthe reference numerals 102 a, 102 b, . . . refer to probe needles. Thenumerous probe needles 102 a, 102 b, . . . are connected at their baseends to the probe card substrate 101, while their tip ends protrudeobliquely downward. The base ends of the probe needles 102 a, 102 b, . .. are electrically connected to an LSI tester via the probe cardsubstrate 101. The tip end of each of the probe needles 102 a, 102 b, .. . corresponds to the approximate center of an electrode pad of asemiconductor integrated circuit.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which the positions andlevels of all probe needles with respect to electrode pads areautomatically recognized by aligning a reference position for LSI chipswith a reference position in probe needle information.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-150224DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problem that the Invention Intends to Solve

The conventional probe card, however, has a structure in which the probeneedles are exposed outwardly, and thus has a problem in that the probeneedles may be broken due to an operator's error, dropping, or the like.

The present invention was made to address the problem with theconventional structure, and an object of the invention is to provide aprobe card and a probe card cassette capable of preventing breakage ofprobe needles due to an operator's error, dropping, or the like.

Means for Solving the Problem

A first aspect of the invention is directed to a probe card cassetteincluding: a holding section for holding a probe card; a transportmechanism for transporting the probe card from the holding section; anda lock mechanism for locking operation of the transport mechanism,wherein when the probe card cassette is placed in prober equipment, thelock mechanism is released to allow the probe card to be transportedfrom the holding section by the transport mechanism, while when theprobe card cassette is not placed in the prober equipment, the lockmechanism operates to fix the probe card in the holding section.

According to the first aspect of the invention, when the probe cardcassette is not placed in the prober equipment, the lock mechanismoperates to fix the probe card in the holding section, thereby allowingthe probe needles to be protected.

A second aspect of the invention is directed to a probe card including:a probe card substrate; a probe needle whose base end is connected toone surface of the probe card substrate; and a stopper section providedin the probe card substrate and including a stopper member and a heightadjustment mechanism, the stopper member protruding from the one surfaceand being slidable in a direction in which the stopper member protrudes,the height adjustment mechanism adjusting height of the stopper memberprotruding from the one surface, wherein the height adjustment mechanismis configured to be able to adjust the protruding height of the stoppermember between a first height higher than the position of tip end of theprobe needle and a second height lower than the position of the tip endof the probe needle.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the protruding heightof the stopper member is adjustable between the first height higher thanthe position of the tip end of the probe needle and the second heightlower than the position of the tip end of the probe needle. Thus, whenno probe test is conducted, it is possible to protect the probe needleby setting the protruding height of the stopper member to the firstheight higher than the position of the tip end of the probe needle. Onthe other hand, when a probe test is conducted, the probe test can beperformed by setting the protruding height of the stopper member to thesecond height lower than the position of the tip end of the probeneedle.

The height adjustment mechanism according to the second aspect of theinvention preferably includes an inlet/outlet for introducing a mediumfrom outside the stopper section and discharging the medium to outsidethe stopper section, and is preferably configured so as to set theprotruding height of the stopper member in accordance with the amount ofthe medium introduced.

The height adjustment mechanism according to the second aspect of theinvention preferably includes a rotating mechanism which is controllablefrom outside the stopper section, and is preferably configured so as toset the protruding height of the stopper member in accordance withoperation of the rotating mechanism.

Also, in the second aspect of the invention, the height adjustmentmechanism is preferably configured to be able to output a signalindicating a result of height adjustment; and the probe card substratepreferably includes: a memory device for storing a result of past heightadjustment or a result of height adjustment performed duringfabrication; and a comparator for comparing the signal output from theheight adjustment mechanism with the past height adjustment result orthe result of the height adjustment performed during fabrication storedin the memory device, and if a difference therebetween exceeds areference value, outputting a signal indicating that.

A third aspect of the invention is directed to a probe card cassetteincluding a holding section for holding the probe card of the secondaspect of the invention, wherein the height adjustment mechanism in theprobe card is configured to be able to output a signal indicating aresult of height adjustment; and the holding section includes: a memorydevice for storing a result of past height adjustment or a result ofheight adjustment performed during fabrication; and a comparator forcomparing the signal output from the height adjustment mechanism withthe past height adjustment result or the result of the height adjustmentperformed during fabrication stored in the memory device, and if adifference therebetween exceeds a reference value, outputting a signalindicating that.

A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a probe card including:a probe card substrate having a hole, with a first electrode provided onone surface of the probe card substrate; and a probe needle sectionincluding a base plate and a projection protruding from the base plate,with the base end of a probe needle connected to tip end of theprojection, wherein the probe card substrate and the probe needlesection are connected via an elastic member, with the projection of theprobe needle section inserted into the hole in the probe card substratefrom the one surface side, in such a manner that the probe needlesection is slidable in a direction in which the projection is inserted;on a surface with the projection protruding of the base plate of theprobe needle section, a second electrode is provided to face the firstelectrode; when pressure is applied to the probe needle section frombackside of the base plate, the elastic member contracts to cause thesurface with the projection protruding of the base plate and the onesurface of the probe card substrate to come into contact with each otherto give an electrical connection between the first electrode and thesecond electrode; and when no pressure is applied to the probe needlesection from backside of the base plate, the elastic member extends,such that the surface with the projection protruding of the base plateand the one surface of the probe card substrate are separated from eachother and tip end of the probe needle is positioned inwardly of anothersurface of the probe card substrate.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when no probe test isconducted, no pressure is applied to the probe needle section from thebackside of the base plate, which allows the elastic member to extend,such that the surface with the projection protruding of the base plateand the one surface of the probe card substrate are separated from eachother and the tip end of the probe needle is positioned inwardly ofanother surface of the probe card substrate. That is, it is possible toprotect the probe needle.

Effects of the Invention

According to the invention, when no probe test is conducted, it ispossible to protect the probe needle and hence prevent breakage of theprobe needle due to an operator's error, dropping, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a probe cardcassette according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a probecard according to a second embodiment of the invention when a probe testis conducted.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the probecard according to the second embodiment of the invention when no probetest is conducted.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a probecard according to a third embodiment of the invention when a probe testis conducted.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the probecard according to the third embodiment of the invention when no probetest is conducted.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the structure of a probe cardaccording to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a probe cardcassette according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a probecard according to a sixth embodiment of the invention when a probe testis conducted.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the probecard according to the sixth embodiment of the invention when no probetest is conducted.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a typical probe card.

EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE CHARACTERS

1 Probe card

2 Holding section

3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d Transport mechanisms

4 Lock mechanism

5 a Memory device

5 b Comparator

101 Probe card substrate

101 a Hole

102 a, 102 b Probe needles

103 Stopper section

103 b Stopper member

103 c Medium storage section

105 Elastic member

106 Inlet/outlet

107 Rotating mechanism

108 Probe needle section

108 a Base plate

108 b Projection

109 a, 109 b Second electrodes

110 a, 110 b First electrodes

111 a, 111 b Elastic members

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, in order to further simplify an understanding of theinvention, embodiments of the invention will be described. Theseembodiments are only aspects of the invention and thus do not limit theinvention, and any changes and modifications may be made therein withinthe scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a probe cardcassette according to a first embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1,the reference numeral 1 refers to a probe card; 2 to a holding sectionfor holding the probe card; 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, and 3 d to transportmechanisms for transporting the probe card 1 from the holding section 2and storing the probe card 1 into the holding section 2; and 4 to a lockmechanism for locking operation of the transport mechanism 3 d forprevention of improper transport of the probe card 1. While the lockmechanism 4 is operating, the probe card 1 is fixed in the holdingsection 2. While the lock mechanism 4 is released, the probe card 1 canbe transported from the holding section 2 by the transport mechanisms 3a to 3 d.

When a probe test is performed, the probe card cassette shown in FIG. 1with the probe card 1 held thereon is placed in prober equipment. Whenthe probe card cassette is placed in the prober equipment, the proberequipment releases the lock mechanism 4 to release the lock of theoperation of the transport mechanism 3 d, thereby allowing the probecard 1 to be transported by the transport mechanisms 3 a to 3 d from theholding section 2 into the prober equipment. Then, the prober equipmentis ready to conduct the probe test.

At the completion of the probe test, the probe card 1 is transportedfrom the prober equipment and held in the holding section 2. After thecompletion of the holding process, the probe card cassette is removedfrom the prober equipment, at which time the lock mechanism 4 isactivated to fix the probe card 1 in the holding section 2. The probeneedles are thus protected.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views illustrating the structure of aprobe card according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2shows a state in which a probe test is conducted, while FIG. 3 shows astate in which no probe test is performed. In FIGS. 2 and 3, thereference numeral 101 refers to a probe card substrate, and 102 a and102 b denote probe needles, whose base ends are connected to one surfaceof the probe card substrate 101. The reference numeral 103 represents astopper section provided in the probe card substrate 101. The stoppersection 103 includes: a receiving section 103 a which is fixed in theprobe card substrate 101; a stopper member 103 b which slides withrespect to the receiving section 103 a; an elastic member 105 whichconnects the receiving section 103 a and the stopper member 103 b and isformed of a helical spring, for example; and an inlet/outlet 106 whichprovides communication between a medium storage section 103 c, definedand formed by the receiving section 103 a and the stopper member 103 b,and the outside. The stopper member 103 b protrudes from the one surfaceof the probe card substrate 101 and is configured so as to be slidablein the protrusion direction. Through the inlet/outlet 106, a medium madeof, e.g., a gas, such as air, or a liquid, such as oil, can beintroduced into the medium storage section 103 c from outside thestopper section 103 and can be discharged from the medium storagesection 103 c to outside the stopper section 103.

Introducing a medium into the medium storage section 103 c through theinlet/outlet 106 causes the elastic member 105 to extend to increase theheight of the protrusion of the stopper member 103 b protruding from theone surface of the probe card substrate 101. On the other hand,discharge of the medium from the medium storage section 103 c throughthe inlet/outlet 106 causes the elastic member 105 to contract to reducethe height of the protrusion of the stopper member 103 b protruding fromthe one surface of the probe card substrate 101. That is, the protrudingheight of the stopper member 103 b is set by the amount of the mediumintroduced in the medium storage section 103 c. The medium storagesection 103 c, the elastic member 105, and the inlet/outlet 106 form aheight adjustment mechanism.

In the second embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism is configuredso as to be able to adjust the protruding height of the stopper member103 b between a first height higher than the positions of the tip endsof the probe needles 102 a and 102 b and a second height lower than thepositions of the tip ends of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b.

When a probe test is conducted, as shown in FIG. 2, the probe card isplaced in prober equipment, followed by discharge of the medium throughthe inlet/outlet 106, such that the amount of the medium in the mediumstorage section 103 c is decreased. This causes the elastic member 105to contract to thereby reduce the height of the protrusion of thestopper member 103 b protruding from the one surface of the probe cardsubstrate 101, so that the stopper member 103 b has a protruding heightlower than the positions of the tip ends of the probe needles 102 a and102 b, allowing the probe test to be performed. At this time, it isdesired that the protruding height of the stopper member 103 b beslightly lower than the positions of the tip ends of the probe needles102 a and 102 b. Then, even if an operator's error occurs during theprobe test, the resultant movements of the tip ends of the probe needles102 a and 102 b during the probe test are minimized, thereby preventingbreakage of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b.

When no probe test is conducted, as shown in FIG. 3, the probe card isremoved from the prober equipment, at which time a medium is introducedthrough the inlet/outlet 106 to increase the amount of the medium in themedium storage section 103 c. This causes the elastic member 105 toextend to increase the height of the protrusion of the stopper member103 b protruding from the one surface of the probe card substrate 101,such that the stopper member 103 b has a protruding height higher thanthe positions of the tip ends of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b,thereby protecting the probe needles 102 a and 102 b. That is, it ispossible to prevent breakage of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views illustrating the structure of aprobe card according to a third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4shows a state in which a probe test is conducted, while FIG. 5 shows astate in which no probe test is carried out. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the samemembers as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are identified by the samereference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted herein.

In the third embodiment, the protruding height of a stopper member 103 bis adjusted not by introducing or discharging a medium but by operationof a rotating mechanism 107 formed of a screw, for example. To bespecific, a stopper section 103A includes a receiving section 103 a, thestopper member 103 b, an elastic member 105, and the rotating mechanism107. The rotating mechanism 107 is controllable from outside the stoppersection 103A and is configured so as to pull up the stopper member 103 bwhen rotated in a given direction and push down the stopper member 103 bwhen rotated in the opposite direction. The elastic member 105 and therotating mechanism 107 form a height adjustment mechanism.

In the third embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism is alsoconfigured so as to be able to adjust the protruding height of thestopper member 103 b between a first height higher than the positions ofthe tip ends of probe needles 102 a and 102 b and a second height lowerthan the positions of the tip ends of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b.

When a probe test is conducted, as shown in FIG. 4, the probe card isplaced in prober equipment, followed by rotation of the rotatingmechanism 107 which causes the elastic member 105 to contract to therebypull up the stopper member 103 b. The height of the protrusion of thestopper member 103 b protruding from one surface of the probe cardsubstrate 101 is thus reduced, so that the stopper member 103 b has aprotruding height lower than the positions of the tip ends of the probeneedles 102 a and 102 b, thereby allowing the probe test to beperformed. At this time, it is desired that the protruding height of thestopper member 103 b be slightly lower than the positions of the tipends of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b. Then, even if an operator'serror occurs during the probe test, the resulting movements of the tipends of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b during the probe test areminimized, which prevents breakage of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b.

When no probe test is conducted, as shown in FIG. 5, the probe card isremoved from the prober equipment, at which time the rotating mechanism107 rotates in the opposite direction to cause the elastic member 105 toextend to thereby push down the stopper member 103 b. The height of theprotrusion of the stopper member 103 b protruding from the one surfaceof the probe card substrate 101 is thus increased, such that the stoppermember 103 b has a protruding height higher than the positions of thetip ends of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b, thereby protecting theprobe needles 102 a and 102 b. That is, it is possible to preventbreakage of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the structure of a probe cardaccording to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The structure of theprobe card shown in FIG. 6 is basically the same as those of the probecards shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, and common members are thus identified bythe same reference numerals. However, a memory device 5 a and acomparator 5 b are provided in an empty space in a probe card substrate101.

In the probe card shown in FIG. 6, the above-described height adjustmentmechanism is configured to be able output a signal indicating the resultof height adjustment. And the memory device 5 a is capable of storingthe result of past height adjustment. The comparator 5 b is coupled tothe memory device 5 a by a signal line and compares the result of thecurrent height adjustment output from the height adjustment mechanismwith the result of past height adjustment stored in the memory device 5a. And when the difference exceeds a reference value, the comparator 5 boutputs a signal indicating that. When the probe card shown in FIG. 6 isplaced in prober equipment, the output signal of the comparator 5 b issent to the prober equipment. This enables an indication of theoccurrence of the abnormal condition.

The memory device 5 a may store the result of height adjustmentperformed during fabrication. In that case, the same effects as thosedescribed above are also attainable.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a probe cardcassette according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The probecard cassette shown in FIG. 7 basically has the same structure as theprobe card cassette shown in FIG. 1, and common members are thusidentified by the same reference numerals. And the probe cards shown inFIGS. 2 to 5 are held in a holding section 2. However, a memory device 5a and a comparator 5 b are provided in an empty space in a surface ofthe holding section 2.

In the probe cards held in the probe card cassette shown in FIG. 7, theabove-described height adjustment mechanism is configured to be able tooutput a signal indicating the result of height adjustment. And thememory device 5 a is capable of storing the result of past heightadjustment. The comparator 5 b is coupled to the memory device 5 a by asignal line and compares the result of the current height adjustmentoutput from the height adjustment mechanism with the result of pastheight adjustment stored in the memory device 5 a. And when thedifference exceeds a reference value, the comparator 5 b outputs asignal indicating that. When the probe card cassette shown in FIG. 7 isplaced in prober equipment, the output signal of the comparator 5 b issent to the prober equipment. This enables an indication of theoccurrence of the abnormal condition.

The memory device 5 a may store the result of height adjustmentperformed during fabrication. In that case, the same effects as thosedescribed above are also attainable.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views illustrating the structure of aprobe card according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8shows a state in which a probe test is conducted, while FIG. 9 shows astate in which no probe test is performed. In FIGS. 8 and 9, thereference numeral 101 denotes a probe card substrate, with firstelectrodes 110 a and 110 b provided on one surface thereof, namely theupper surface. These electrodes 110 a and 110 b are connected to atester channel in the probe card substrate 101. The reference numeral108 represents a probe needle section, which includes a base plate 108 aand a projection 108 b protruding from the base plate 108 a. Probeneedles 102 a and 102 b are connected at their base ends to the end ofthe projection 108 b. The probe card substrate 101 and the probe needlesection 108 are connected via elastic members 111 a and 111 b formed of,e.g., helical springs, with the projection 108 b inserted into a hole101 a in the probe card substrate 101 from the upper surface side of thesubstrate 101, in such a manner that the probe needle section 108 isslidable in the insertion direction. On the surface with the projection108 b of the base plate 108 a of the probe needle section 108, secondelectrodes 109 a and 109 b are provided to face the first electrodes 110a and 110 b.

When a probe test is conducted, as shown in FIG. 8, the probe card isplaced in prober equipment, at which time the probe card substrate 101is fixed in the prober equipment to apply pressure to the probe needlesection 108 from the backside of the base plate 108 a, thereby pushingthe probe needle section 108 downward. At this time, the elastic members111 a and 111 b contract to cause the surface with the projection 108 bof the base plate 108 a and the upper surface of the probe cardsubstrate 101 to come into contact with each other, thereby electricallyconnecting the first electrodes 110 a and 110 b and the secondelectrodes 109 a and 109 b. Also, at this time, the positions of the tipends of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b are lower than the lowersurface of the probe card substrate 101, which enables the probe test tobe carried out.

When no probe test is conducted, as shown in FIG. 9, the probe card isremoved from the prober equipment, and no pressure is applied to theprobe needle section 108 from the backside of the base plate 108 a. Atthis time, the elastic members 111 a and 111 b extend to push the probeneedle section 108 upward, causing the surface with the projection 108 bof the base plate 108 a and the upper surface of the probe cardsubstrate 101 to be separated from each other. Also, at this time, thetip ends of the probe needles 102 a and 102 b are positioned inwardly ofthe lower surface (as another surface) of the probe card substrate 101.That is, the probe needles 102 a and 102 b are held inside the probecard substrate 101, allowing the probe needles 102 a and 102 b to beprotected.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention, which enables protection of the probe needles ofprobe cards and thus produces the effect of preventing breakage of theprobe needles due to an error, dropping, or the like, is useful inefficiently conducting probe tests, for example.

1. A probe card cassette comprising: a holding section for holding aprobe card; a transport mechanism for transporting the probe card fromthe holding section; and a lock mechanism for locking operation of thetransport mechanism, wherein when the probe card cassette is placed inprober equipment, the lock mechanism is released to allow the probe cardto be transported from the holding section by the transport mechanism,while when the probe card cassette is not placed in the proberequipment, the lock mechanism operates to fix the probe card in theholding section.
 2. A probe card comprising: a probe card substrate; aprobe needle whose base end is connected to one surface of the probecard substrate; and a stopper section provided in the probe cardsubstrate and including a stopper member and a height adjustmentmechanism, the stopper member protruding from the one surface and beingslidable in a direction in which the stopper member protrudes, theheight adjustment mechanism adjusting height of the stopper memberprotruding from the one surface, wherein the height adjustment mechanismis configured to be able to adjust the protruding height of the stoppermember between a first height higher than the position of tip end of theprobe needle and a second height lower than the position of the tip endof the probe needle.
 3. The probe card of claim 2, wherein the heightadjustment mechanism includes an inlet/outlet for introducing a mediumfrom outside the stopper section and discharging the medium to outsidethe stopper section; and the height adjustment mechanism is configuredso as to set the protruding height of the stopper member in accordancewith the amount of the medium introduced.
 4. The probe card of claim 2,wherein the height adjustment mechanism includes a rotating mechanismwhich is controllable from outside the stopper section; and the heightadjustment mechanism is configured so as to set the protruding height ofthe stopper member in accordance with operation of the rotatingmechanism.
 5. The probe card of claim 2, wherein the height adjustmentmechanism is configured to be able to output a signal indicating aresult of height adjustment; and the probe card substrate includes: amemory device for storing a -result of past height adjustment or aresult of height adjustment performed during fabrication; and acomparator for comparing the signal output from the height adjustmentmechanism with the past height adjustment result or the result of theheight adjustment performed during fabrication stored in the memorydevice, and if a difference therebetween exceeds a reference value,outputting a signal indicating that.
 6. A probe card cassette comprisinga holding section for holding the probe card of claim 2, wherein theheight adjustment mechanism in the probe card is configured to be ableto output a signal indicating a result of height adjustment; and theholding section includes: a memory device for storing a result of pastheight adjustment or a result of height adjustment performed duringfabrication; and a comparator for comparing the signal output from theheight adjustment mechanism with the past height adjustment result orthe result of the height adjustment performed during fabrication storedin the memory device, and if a difference therebetween exceeds areference value, outputting a signal indicating that.
 7. A probe cardcomprising: a probe card substrate having a hole, with a first electrodeprovided on one surface of the probe card substrate; and a probe needlesection including a base plate and a projection protruding from the baseplate, with the base end of a probe needle connected to tip end of theprojection, wherein the probe card substrate and the probe needlesection are connected via an elastic member, with the projection of theprobe needle section inserted into the hole in the probe card substratefrom the one surface side, in such a manner that the probe needlesection is slidable in a direction in which the projection is inserted;on a surface with the projection protruding of the base plate of theprobe needle section, a second electrode is provided to face the firstelectrode; when pressure is applied to the probe needle section frombackside of the base plate, the elastic member contracts to cause thesurface with the projection protruding of the base plate and the onesurface of the probe card substrate to come into contact with each otherto give an electrical connection between the first electrode and thesecond electrode; and when no pressure is applied to the probe needlesection from backside of the base plate, the elastic member extends,such that the surface with the projection protruding of the base plateand the one surface of the probe card substrate are separated from eachother and tip end of the probe needle is positioned inwardly of anothersurface of the probe card substrate.